Living With Pelvic Pain Can Be Challenging

Pelvic pain can affect many parts of life, including work, exercise, intimacy, sleep and emotional wellbeing.

Symptoms may develop gradually or begin suddenly following surgery, childbirth, illness, injury or periods of increased stress. For some women, investigations identify a clear diagnosis such as endometriosis, while others continue to experience symptoms despite normal scans or test results.

Pelvic pain is real. It often involves a combination of muscular, nervous system, bladder, bowel and hormonal factors. Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms is often the first step towards meaningful improvement.

At Boutique Pelvic Health, treatment is tailored to your unique experience, with a focus on helping you better understand your body, reduce symptom flare-ups and return to the activities that matter most to you.

  • Pain & sensitivity

    • Pelvic pain
    • Vulval pain
    • Tailbone pain
    • Bladder pain
    • Lower abdominal pain
  • Pelvic Floor & Intimacy

    • Pain with intercourse
    • Pain with pelvic examinations
    • Vaginismus
    • Pelvic floor tension
    • Difficulty relaxing muscles
  • Cycle & Endometriosis Symptoms

    • Period pain
    • Ovulation pain
    • Endometriosis-related pain
    • Pain flare-ups around your cycle
    • Persistent pelvic pain

How Physiotherapy May Help

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, goals and comfort level.

Depending on your presentation, physiotherapy may include:

• Pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation
• Education about pain and nervous system sensitisation
• Breathing and relaxation strategies
• Bladder and bowel management support
• Movement and exercise guidance
• Scar tissue management
• Sexual pain rehabilitation
• Activity pacing strategies
• Individualised home programs

The goal is to help you better understand your symptoms, improve confidence in your body and develop practical strategies for everyday life.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

Your initial consultation is 60 minutes and provides time to gain a detailed understanding of your symptoms, history and goals.

Your appointment may include:

• Discussion of your symptoms and concerns
• Review of medical history and investigations
• Assessment of posture, breathing and movement patterns
• Pelvic floor assessment where appropriate
• Development of an individualised treatment plan

An internal pelvic floor examination is often recommended because it can provide valuable information about muscle function and sensitivity. However, your consent is always required and alternative assessment options are available.

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Why Choose Boutique Pelvic Health

All appointments are provided personally by Zara Howard, APA Titled Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.

Unlike larger clinics where you may see different practitioners, every appointment at Boutique Pelvic Health is delivered by Zara.

Zara has over a decade of experience in pelvic health and holds a Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Women's Health and Continence). Her background includes senior pelvic health roles within the public hospital system, collaboration with urogynaecologists and specialist medical teams, pelvic health research and advanced training in pelvic pain, bladder, bowel and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Her approach is warm, trauma-aware and evidence-based, with care tailored to your body, your experience and your goals.

  • Bundall

    Boutique Pelvic Health
    Boutique Building
    55 Bundall Road
    Bundall QLD 4217
    Australia

  • John Flynn / Tugun

    Boutique Pelvic Health
    Located within Eden Women’s Health
    Suite 7E, Fred McKay House
    John Flynn Private Hospital

    42 Inland Drive
    Tugun QLD 4224
    Australia

  • Telehealth

    Online pelvic health physiotherapy consultations are available for people across Australia.

FAQ's

Can pelvic pain improve without surgery?

For many people, pelvic pain is influenced by several factors, including pelvic floor muscle tension, nervous system sensitivity, bladder or bowel symptoms, movement patterns and stress. Physiotherapy can help address these contributing factors and may be used alongside medical care.

How many appointments will I need?

The number of appointments required varies depending on your symptoms, goals, medical history and how long you have been experiencing your concerns.

Some people benefit from a small number of appointments focused on assessment, education and a personalised management plan. Others may require ongoing support over several months, particularly when symptoms are complex or have been present for a long time.

During your initial consultation, Zara will discuss your goals and provide recommendations regarding an appropriate treatment plan and review schedule.

Do I need a referral?

No. Physiotherapists are primary contact health practitioners, which means you can book an appointment without a referral from a GP or specialist.

Some patients choose to attend following a referral from their GP, gynaecologist, colorectal surgeon, urogynaecologist or other healthcare provider, while others book directly. If you have relevant test results, imaging reports or specialist letters, you're welcome to bring these to your appointment.

If you're unsure whether pelvic health physiotherapy is the right fit for your concerns, please feel free to contact the clinic and we'll be happy to help guide you.

Is an internal examination required?

An internal pelvic floor examination is often recommended because it can provide valuable information about pelvic floor muscle function, tension, coordination and sensitivity. However, it is never mandatory.

Your consent is always required, and you are free to decline or postpone an internal examination at any stage. Alternative assessment approaches may include discussion of symptoms, movement assessment, breathing assessment, external examination and functional testing.

Our goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable and in control throughout the assessment process.

Can I claim private health?

Many private health funds provide rebates for physiotherapy services when you have extras cover that includes physiotherapy. The rebate amount varies depending on your individual health fund and level of cover.

HICAPS claiming is available for eligible health funds, allowing you to claim your rebate at the time of your appointment. If you are unsure of your coverage, we recommend contacting your private health insurer prior to your appointment to confirm your physiotherapy benefits.

Is telehealth available?

Yes. Telehealth pelvic health physiotherapy appointments are available Australia-wide.

Telehealth can be particularly helpful for people living outside the Gold Coast, those with mobility limitations, busy schedules, or individuals who would prefer to begin with education and self-management strategies before attending in person.

Depending on your symptoms, telehealth appointments may include education, exercise prescription, bladder and bowel management strategies, pain management approaches, movement assessment and guidance for home-based rehabilitation.

What conditions do you treat?

Boutique Pelvic Health provides physiotherapy support for a range of pelvic health concerns, including persistent pelvic pain, endometriosis, pain with intercourse, vulvodynia, vaginismus, bladder pain, urinary urgency, urinary leakage, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction, pregnancy-related pain and postnatal recovery.

Treatment is individualised and tailored to your symptoms, goals and stage of life, with a focus on evidence-based care delivered in a supportive and respectful environment.


Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book an appointment with Zara Howard and take the next step towards understanding your pelvic pain and feeling more confident in your body.